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Government halts gambling ads on all media platforms for 30 days
Betting was the most searched word by Kenyans on Google’s search engine in October.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has issued orders suspending gambling advertisements in all media platforms.
The Board Chairperson Dr Jane Mwikali Makau, said in a statement that the suspension lasts for one month and is meant to streamline the sector.
Dr Mwikali said the move followed suspicions that some were increasingly misrepresenting gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation.
“The erroneous depiction occasions adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community. Of particular concern is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm),” Dr Mwikali said.
She stated that gambling advertisements aired during the watershed period are exposing vulnerable members of the population, especially minors, who are gradually being drawn into gambling addiction.
“In view of these occurrences, and pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 131, Laws of Kenya), the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) hereby ORDERS the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for a period of thirty (30) days with effect from the date of this statement.”
She said that the directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers all forms of advertisement and promotional activity including but not limited to television and radio advertisements, social media platforms, print media, outdoor advertising (billboards, branded transport), SMS, email campaigns and push notifications, as well as celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing.
The board has also stated that going forward, the government has constituted a multi-agency Enforcement team mandated to formulate strategic interventions, policy recommendations, and enforcement mechanisms to advance responsible gambling practices across the country.
The team consists of representatives from Ministry of Interior and National Administration, office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Film Classification Board, Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and Financial Reporting Centre.
“The Betting Control and Licensing Board hereby calls upon all stakeholders, including but not limited to betting companies, media houses, digital platforms, telecommunication service providers, and members of the general public, to fully comply with this directive in the national interest.”
She has maintained that the government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector.
The move comes amid increasing concern from the country over the suspected suicide cases, which have been linked to betting and gambling.
However, in her latest statement, Dr Mwikali said the board had not received any complaints linking betting and gambling in the country to any deaths.